FIFA U-17 (WWC): Kenya coach shifts focus to Uganda test

Kenya women’s national U-17 head coach Mildred Cheche has turned the team’s focus to their game against Uganda, after successfully navigating past Namibia in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The Junior Starlets delivered a statement performance at the Ulinzi Complex, beating Namibia with a commanding 5-0 victory to seal a 7-1 aggregate win and sail into the next round.

Not one. Not two. Three clean strikes 🎯

If you had to pick a favorite which one will it be? 🤔#JuniorStarlets #U17WomenWorldCupQualifiers pic.twitter.com/YFJK90XnbT

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 20, 2026

Coming into the second leg with a slender 2-1 advantage from the first encounter, where the Starlets had largely dominated proceeding, the team remained focused on finishing the job. Despite the narrow scoreline away from home, their control and attacking intent in that first leg had already hinted at what was to come.

Back on home soil, Kenya picked up right where they left off. The Junior Starlets dictated the tempo from the onset, enjoying possession and pinning Namibia back for long spells. However, despite their dominance, the breakthrough would have to wait until after the break.

Qualification is secured over two legs

“The scoreline gives us confidence, but qualification is secured over two legs, not one,” Cheche said. “Our focus now is on managing each stage professionally and improving the small details we still see in our game.”

It’s one thing to come off the bench and score… it’s another to announce yourself with a worldie 😮‍🔥

Alizeba, take a bow 👏#JuniorStarlets pic.twitter.com/J5VC1LICMj

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 19, 2026

Kenya captain Beverlyne Awuor echoed Cheche’s caution, stressing a reset mindset ahead of the derby clash. “Every match now is like a final, so we must stay focused and disciplined,” she said.

“In the dressing room, the message is clear; we start again in the next round.”

Brenda Achieng led the charge with a sensational hat trick, finding the back of the net in the 46th, 69th, and 82nd minutes. Her clinical finishing turned sustained pressure into goals and effectively put the tie beyond reach.

Emily Adhiambo added to the tally in the 54th minute, capitalizing on Kenya’s continued attacking momentum, before Elizabeth Alizeba sealed the emphatic win with a late strike in stoppage time.

A 5 star performance 🤩#JuniorStarlets pic.twitter.com/Nrc9tEA77M

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 18, 2026

It was a performance that perfectly summed up the Starlets’ strength; patience, control, and the ability to step up when it matters most.

Beyond the scoreline, the team’s cohesion and confidence stood out. They played with freedom, supported each other across the pitch, and showed maturity in managing both legs of the tie.

For the fans at the Ulinzi Complex, it was a memorable afternoon one filled with goals, energy, and pride.

With a 7-1 aggregate triumph, the Junior Starlets now turn their attention to the next round, where they are set to face Uganda in May 2026, with matches scheduled between May 22 and May 31.